Define germination? Name the two types of germination. Explain with example.

The process by which an embryo within the seed becomes active and grows into a young plant is called germination. The two types of germinations are:

1. Epigeal Germination — Put some bean seeds in moist cotton placed in a petri dish. After about two days, the radicle grows downwards and develops the roots, while the plumule grows upwards and develops into the shoot. It is seen that the cotyledons are pulled above the surface of the ground. This type of germination in which the cotyledons are pushed above the soil is called Epigeal Germination.
2. Hypogeal Germination - Soak some maize grains in water for about 24 hours. The stored food in the endosperm is used by the radicle and plumule for their growth. The radicle grows downward while the plumule grows upward and forms the first leaf. This type of germination is called hypogeal germination, as the cotyledons remains under the soil. The plumule only comes out of the soil to form leaves of the plant.